Tour the Moscow Monuments and the Russian Imperial Capital of St. Petersburg

When tsar Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg in 1703, he hired some of the most talented artists and architects in the world to design and decorate his namesake city. The result was a fairy-tale-like assortment of pastel palaces, elaborate gardens, and gilded domes built along the city’s canals, many of which still stand today.

Moscow’s imperial fortresses and cathedrals span four centuries. Though firmly rooted in its history, the city also has modern attractions such as concert halls and world-class restaurants. You’ll have a chance to explore both cities during a nine-day, seven-night vacation from East West Tours. Click here for a daily itinerary.

Days 1–5

After an overnight flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City, you’ll spend three nights at the four-star Aquamarine Hotel. Red Square, located 2 miles from the hotel, is home to Lenin’s tomb, a walled medieval fortress, and the country’s crown jewel—St. Basil’s Cathedral. Built between 1555 and 1560, this whimsical structure is surrounded by nine multicolored chapels with striped domed spires. One of the oldest and richest museums in Russia, the Kremlin Armory Museum, showcases Fabergé eggs and coronation robes in a former weapons storehouse.

On the fifth day, you’ll take a domestic flight to St. Petersburg.

Day 6

Named one of the most beautiful canal cities in the world by Travel + Leisure, St. Petersburg is spread over 100 islands that are linked by more than 600 open bridges. After a sightseeing tour that includes stops at the Admiralty and Summer Garden, check in at the Courtyard by Marriott St. Petersburg Center West/Pushkin Hotel, your home for the next four nights. Nearby, the glittering Neva River runs through the heart of the city, past major landmarks such as the Peter and Paul Fortress and the State Hermitage Museum. Once the residence of the Russian tsars, this green-and-white baroque palace now houses more than 3 million pieces, including Rembrandt’s Danaë, da Vinci’s Madonna paintings, and the giant gold Peacock Clock, which you can see during an included tour.

Days 7–9

The rest of the time in St. Petersburg is yours—explore the city sights, go shopping, and enjoy the nightlife along Nevsky Prospekt. Check out a performance of the famous Russian ballet or sample blinis at one of the low-lit cafés. After breakfast on day nine, you’ll head to Moscow Domodedovo Airport for a return flight to JFK.